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Local History, Attractions and Wildlife
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Kaikoura was occupied by the Maori
long before the arrival of the first Europeans arrived. Kaikoura
when translated from the original Maori, means "meal of crayfish"
Kai = food, koura = crayfish. From the Stone Age until the present
day, it is the crayfish, or rock lobster, for which the region been
famous. In those early days of Maori exploration, the abundant food
sources quickly attracted Maori settlement. To this day, the remains
of several pa sites can still be located the peninsula. |
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Captain Cook, standing cautiously off the coast in "Endeavour" in the year 1770, mistook the Kaikoura peninsula to be an island. The first European occupation was the establishment of a shore whaling station in 1843. This was located near the historically important Fyffe House, one of the earliest dwellings dating back to the whaling days, and open to the public as a museum.
Other whaling stations followed, and it is estimated that in its heyday, the industry employed over one hundred men within the Kaikoura district. With declining whale numbers from the 1850's, a number of whalers turned to farming, and descendants of those early pioneers still farm the land here today. |
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Kaikoura Attractions and Wildlife
Kaikoura, once a tiny fishing village, has become a major
eco-tourism resort in recent years. There are now a great many
wildlife-focussed activities available for you to enjoy during your
stay in Kaikoura.
A walk around the town allows you to enjoy all the Art Galleries. And no visit would be complete without a trip to the Kaikoura Lookout on top of the peninsula, a great place for taking photographs of the Kaikoura panorama.
Kaikoura's crayfish are still a local delicacy, and are always available from
one or other of the many restaurants.
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In the evenings you can stroll over to Donegal House Irish garden bar and
restaurant, which is set in a two acre garden overlooking a large pond.
Locally caught crayfish and fish are included in the menu, or you can have
a chat to our local people while having a Guinness to drink.
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There are also several other excellent restaurants 5 minutes away. During the day you can relax on our decks and enjoy the panoramic view of the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range.
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You can experience two bush walks and listen to the bellbirds, tuis and wood pigeons in the area. There are stands of native trees, Matai, Rimu and Kahikatea in these forest walks.
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You can enjoy the peninsula walk with its unique limestone cliffs. Sea birds and seals are abundant.
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We are fortunate
enough to have giant Sperm Whales in the local waters all year
round. You can visit the whales by boat, light aircraft, or
helicopter.
Contact
Kaikoura Whale Watch
Contact
Wings Over Whales
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You can also swim with
the Dolphins in their natural environment.
Contact
Dolphin Encounter
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Swim with the
Seals and visit their colonies on the peninsula walk.
Contact
Dive Kaikoura |
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